Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The annual Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Polar Plunge returns Saturday, March 7 at Keller Williams Legacy Group to benefit Special Olympics Iowa.

About 50 participants must register between 10:45 and 11:45 a.m. and raise a minimum of $75 to earn a t-shirt and meal (funds support year-round programs).

ITC gifted Patriot Recovery Residences (The Patriot House) a full year membership to the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance to boost services for local residents.

The gesture supports community growth and ongoing local investment.

A dumpster fire damaged Green Square Meals’ facility, so the evening meal program was moved to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

The nonprofit anticipates returning within a month (perhaps as early as two weeks) as it repairs roughly $50,000 in damages.

Orchestra Iowa announced that Brucemorchestra will return on Aug.

29 in Cedar Rapids after a 2023 suspension due to costly cancellations — community donations have reached $50,000 and the Grandon Charitable Foundation has pledged $20,000 to offer free tickets for children 17 and under.

Experts say rising crude oil prices due to military action in Iran may push local gas prices higher; AAA Iowa notes prices have already increased by nine cents since last Monday and analysts will watch in the coming days if they climb over 25 cents at the pump.

Iowa holds a Top 5 education ranking while Illinois and Wisconsin rank below top 10 in a study by Go Au Pair — the report credits strong graduation rates, SAT scores, and low idle youth percentages for Iowa’s success.

The Iowa DNR will conduct prescribed burns on wildlife management areas (in Cedar, Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Linn, and Tama counties) to improve wildlife habitat and control invasive species between mid-March and mid-May, with burns scheduled when weather conditions meet plan objectives.

Cedar Rapids City Council approved a five-year, $750K contract for the Monarch Research Project to create tree planting and care materials after the Aug.

2020 derecho removed nearly 65% of the tree canopy (the project will produce educational programs, materials, and events to support ongoing tree-planting efforts).

Hundreds of soldiers from the 113th squadron returned home on Patriots team planes after a 10-month deployment in the Middle East, arriving today in Bangor.

Welcome home ceremonies are scheduled for Sioux City, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines as remaining units continue to return.

A pending Iowa Senate bill would speed up prior authorization for patient care by requiring peer-to-peer reviews—ensuring matched specialists decide on treatments—and by banning artificial intelligence in those decisions.

UnityPoint and MercyOne support the bill, while insurers express concerns.

Iowa Reps. Miller-Meeks and Hinson sent a letter to Whirlpool’s CEO about the planned layoff of 341 workers at the Amana facility scheduled for March 9 and asked if work will move overseas along with details on worker support with a reply due by March 5.

Composting for Beginners

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Discover the essentials of composting and how to get started at home.

Dungeons & Dragons for Adults

5-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in exciting Dungeons & Dragons adventures in a friendly adult setting.

Paws to Read

6:30-7 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — A tale-wagging good time for all featuring reading with furry friends.

Guys and Dolls Musical

7:30 PM - 11:59 PM — Theatre Cedar Rapids — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an award-winning musical comedy about love and luck in the bustling streets of Broadway.

Dungeons and Dragons for Teens and Tweens

6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Unleash your imagination in a collaborative adventure with friends at the library.

Jo Koy's Stand-Up Comedy Show

8-11 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic genius of Jo Koy as he shares relatable tales from his colorful family.

Youth Advisory Board Meeting

5-6 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Share your ideas and help shape the library's future.

Once Upon a Book Nook

6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Repurpose old books into unique dioramas and give them new life.

American Mahjong Open Play

2-4 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a friendly game of American mahjong with fellow enthusiasts.

Scrabble Club

1-4 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Challenge your vocabulary skills in a fun and friendly atmosphere.